My name is Joe Kippenberger and I am the new acting President of the WYHA and I would like to welcome everyone back to another fun filled and action packed year.

Before I start I would like to say THANK YOU to Janice Gennetti, the Board and I have worked side by side with Janice for the past several years and she has worked tirelessly on behalf of this organization and many others in Town.Her hard work has put this organization in a position to thrive well into the future and I consider myself fortunate to follow in her footsteps.She is the ultimate Townie and we wish her nothing but the best in her (semi) retirement.

The “welcome back to hockey day” at the Ipswich river park in North Reading on Sept. 10th was an overwhelming success. We had full access to all of the parks facilities and smiles were everywhere.A big Thank You goes out to the fundraising committee for putting the whole thing together. For those that missed out, there will be other events throughout the year so please stay tuned and support our great organization.

The Valley league season is under way and now that we have the game schedule, the practice ice schedule is being finalized to give each team a full season practice schedule. The scheduling committee is working hand and hand with the rink to make this happen and make it easier for all of our players and their parents to fit hockey into their already busy schedules.

We have had a change of venue for the Board meetings. The fourth of July building will now be home to all future board meetings.We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month during hockey season and as always they are open to the membership. Please feel free to attend and voice you’re questions and/or concerns. We are always looking for ways to improve our program and are always in need of volunteers. No other youth sport asks for an 8 month commitment so come on down and join in the fun. Remember it’s all for the kids.

The WYHA would also like to give out a HUGE shout out to the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. We get to share our rink with the organization that has provided us with a multitude of memories.The Bruins have already installed a 5 foot replica cup outside the rink to mark this special event and we look forward to seeing more of them this upcoming season as they practice in preparation for defending the cup. GO BRUINS.

Once again the Board and I would like to Thank You, our members, for your continued support of this organization and this great sport. I look forward to meeting each and every one of the families involved with what we do and I am always available for your questions/comments. Good Luck to all the teams.